He took 5 years to complete BTech from tier 3 college, yet now earns Rs 80 LPA. Techie shares his success story: 'Don't settle for less'

A young developer shared how he carved a successful career despite an underwhelming average academic record. Taking to the subreddit Indian Flex, he shared his inspiring journey. His school years were far from impressive—scoring a CGPA of 7.2 in the 10th standard, securing 63% in 12th, and barely managing 51% in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. He could not clear JEE Mains or Advanced and even in college faced setbacks, taking five years to complete his B.Tech degree from a Tier-3 institution. Studies were never his strong suit, yet computers fascinated him from the very beginning, and that interest became his anchor.

From Internships to First Break

In 2019, during his college years, he secured a remote internship that paid ₹15,000 per month. The company valued his skills rather than his grades. The following year, he landed another internship, earning ₹25,000 monthly. After completing his graduation in 2020, he received a pre-placement offer from the same firm where he worked as the only technology professional in a small startup. He managed every aspect—backend, frontend, DevOps, and servers—and was offered a package of Rs 8 LPA.

Rising Through the Ranks

By 2022, his hard work paid off with a significant jump to Rs 24 LPA at a service-based company. Less than a year later, he transitioned to a new role that doubled his salary to Rs 42 LPA. By 2024, after another switch, he reached the remarkable milestone of Rs 80 LPA as a senior software engineer at the age of 27.

His Strategy for Growth

He explained that his job-switching method played a big role in his success. Whenever he decided to move, he applied to over a hundred companies in a single day, never rushed into the first offer, and always kept at least three offers on hand before choosing the best fit. His journey proved that consistent effort, resilience, and strategic planning could outweigh academic scores.

The Lesson Learned

For him, report cards did not define long-term success. His advice to his younger self was simple yet powerful —never settle for less, embrace failures, and continue striving until complete satisfaction is achieved.